Least
Terns (LETE)
The terns were everywhere in 2008. Colonies formed (sometimes overnight) in spite of foot traffic and I took some enjoyment watching unsuspecting beachgoers being dive bombed by protective parents and even "crapped" on as they got to close to these pretty massive colonies (in comparison to last year).
But, as soon as these colonies would form, they would be wiped out by predators. Foxes would blow through and eat up to 20 eggs at a time.
No terns hatched and I often felt helpless when it came to assisting them.
Common Terns and Roseate Tern will visit the island late in the nesting season after they have nested. We will sometime enjoy their young, resting and feeding as they get ready to migrate south with their parents.
Common terns enjoy nesting on open beaches, while the Roseate like to hide under structures, Maybe this year we'll put out some structures and see if we get any takers.
Click to learn more about efforts to help the Common and Roseate
The least tern is North America's smallest tern. It measures 9 inches (23 cm) long and has a 20-inch (51 cm) wingspread. The bird's size and white forehead on its otherwise black cap are two of its best distinguishing characteristics.
Other identifying marks are its black-tipped yellow bill, gray upperparts, white under parts and a short, forked tail.
Weighing only an ounce (28 grams), this bird's appearance and habits have given rise to many nicknames, including "little striker" and "sea swallow."
Sexes look identical, although females are slightly smaller. Juveniles have a black bill, a grayish crown and a black line of feathers running back from the eye.
It's Voice is Sharp killick or kip-kip-kip-kiddeek. Most often seen hovering over the water, the Least Tern peers downward in search of small minnows and other marine or freshwater organisms.
